Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvidas Anusauskas reported Friday that he has managed to seal with the United States the purchase of eight multiple missile launcher systems to increase its defense capabilities in the midst of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During a visit to the Pentagon where he met with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, he assured that «it is great to be back» in the United States and regretted the «Russian attempt to change Europe and the laws of order» in the region.
«Now, more than ever, it is important to maintain unity and show solidarity in the face of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. I am glad that defense cooperation between Lithuania and the United States is stronger than ever,» he said, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Thus, he stressed that this year is «special for the cooperation between the parties» because it is 100 years since the beginning of diplomatic relations. Regarding the signing of the contract to acquire the HIMARS, he said that this is a «big step» for the Lithuanian Armed Forces. «It is a new system that will significantly increase the capabilities at the national and regional level,» he explained.
In this regard, he has appreciated the decision to deploy a contingent with U.S. troops «that will rotate through the Baltic countries, including Lithuania.» «We are happy to see American boots on Lithuanian soil,» he said.
For his part, Austin has warned that «we are facing a crucial moment in Europe after ten months of cruel to unjustified war against Ukraine.» «The Kremlin forces are showing deliberate cruelty and targeting civilian infrastructure,» he said.
However, he has stressed that «the Ukrainian people have responded with incredible courage that the world now knows well.» «The United States, along with our allies and partners, is deeply committed to supporting Ukraine as it resists Russian aggression and defends its right to exist,» he added.
«I want to thank Lithuania for offering military equipment to Ukraine, as well as training assistance, so that it can defend itself,» he said before highlighting the country’s willingness to «host allied troops.»
